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IAA Mobility 2023: VW lets the (last) Passat Variant go electric - 100 kilometers

Despite the ID.7, it seems that "peace with electrification" is not yet fully trusted - and the new Passat Variant from Wolfsburg is being brought to Munich. Two new plug-in hybrids are expected to allow purely electric distances of about 100 kilometers - and for the first time, DC fast charging with up to 50 kW charging power.

With a more aerodynamic silhouette almost in the Arteon style, the new Passat Variant hits the road. | Photo: VW
With a more aerodynamic silhouette almost in the Arteon style, the new Passat Variant hits the road. | Photo: VW
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Johannes Reichel

At the world premiere at the IAA Mobility in Munich (September 5–9, 2023), car manufacturer Volkswagen is showcasing the first photos and details of the completely newly developed Passat, which is being launched on the market despite the current market debut of the all-electric ID.7 sedan. The focus is on a fresher aerodynamic design, new efficient drives, high quality, and a variety of new technologies, with Volkswagen promoting its classic model from Wolfsburg. The new Passat is set to roll out as a universal Variant in the first quarter of 2024. With more than 34 million units sold, the Passat is Volkswagen's best-selling model of all time, after the Golf and ahead of the Beetle.

"The latest evolutionary stage of the Modular Transverse Toolkit (MQB evo) forms the highly innovative technical basis of the ninth Passat generation. Thanks to the large-scale benefits of the MQB evo, Volkswagen is democratizing numerous high-tech developments once again, making them available to hundreds of thousands of drivers," said Kai Grünitz, the board member responsible for Technical Development for the Passat.

First and foremost, he highlights two completely newly developed plug-in hybrid drives (so-called eHybrid) with a system output of 150 kW (204 PS) and 200 kW (272 PS). Together with a new 19.7 kWh battery (net), they are supposed to enable purely electric ranges of around 100 kilometers. With this distance, the new Variant will transform into an electric car in everyday use. Shorter charging times are also promised, as the battery can now be charged at AC charging points with 11 kW instead of the previous sluggish 3.6 kW. At DC fast-charging stations, the hybrid wagon can even charge with up to 50 kW. In addition, the new turbo gasoline engine (1.5 TSI evo2), reportedly more economical than the old 1.4 TSI, combined with the electric motor ensures total ranges of around 1,000 kilometers.
 

New 48V Mild Hybrid as the Smallest Electrification - DSG Becomes Standard

Also new on board the Passat is a 48V mild hybrid drive (eTSI with 110 kW / 150 PS), which converts kinetic energy into electrical energy and is supposed to enable "sailing" without a combustion engine. Two 150 kW (204 PS) and 195 kW (265 PS) turbo gasoline engines (2.0 TSI) as well as three turbo diesel engines (2.0 TDI) with 90 kW (122 PS), 110 kW (150 PS) and 142 kW (193 PS) complete the drive program. An automatic dual-clutch transmission (DSG) always comes as standard. The variants with 195 kW and 142 kW come standard with all-wheel drive 4MOTION. All other models traditionally have front-wheel drive.

The Wolfsburg team has also completely redesigned the interior. The clearly structured and large-area display landscape is said to be more striking – described as "stylish, functional and progressive." The technical basis is the MIB4. The latest generation of the "modular infotainment toolkit" is supposed to enable intuitive operation, consistently geared towards the wishes of the drivers, as acknowledged in response to many complaints about the "touch field" operation.

The new Variant also comes with an enhanced package of assistance systems. New to this is the optional "Park Assist Plus"3, the "Park Assist Pro"3 and the memory function for the "Park Assist Pro"3. Via "Park Assist Pro"4, the new wagon can be remotely parked in and out using a smartphone, for those who might need it. With the memory function for the "Park Assist Pro"4 on board, the system can record and save the last 50 meters of a journey upon request.

Translated automatically from German.
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